GETTING ON

Dear Jenny, I really was pleased with your letter;
Just reading it through has made me much better!
So I'll answer you now, and this is because
You asked me in detail just how I was.

Now that I'm older and just on my own,
May I tell you of something which does get me down?
I remember the years that are well past and finished,
But my memory's something which just has diminished!

In the evening I'm tired and do keep on yawning,
But I just can't recall the events of the morning.
I go to the fridge and stand there in doubt:
Was I putting food in, or taking some out?

I write little memos to place in my hat -
You know - little things, like "food for the cat".
I try to remember my teeth and my glasses,
And think it's amazing how quickly time passes.

But cheer up, Jenny, for Christmas is near:
I won't be lonely - so please do not fear.
The church folk are kindly, as I've always found,
Especially when anyone asks me around.

So I'm going to church (when I admit I'm a sinner),
And someone's said "Join us for our Christmas dinner".
I say turkey's much nicer when it's not me to roast it -
- oh gosh, there's my letter! I've forgotten to post it.

by Philip Bell
written when Salisbury diocesan Widows' Officer
Christmas 2002